Leukorrhea is a thick, white or yellow vaginal discharge. It can result from a malignancy, from a vaginal or cervical infection, or during or after pregnancy due to hormonal imbalance. If you have leukorrhea, you may experience itching, pain or burning, but those symptoms do not always occur. Herbal douches may help leukorrhea in some cases. Consult your health care provider for a diagnosis and for advice before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for leukorrhea work in diverse ways. Astringent herbs dry up mucous membranes and stop secretions. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial herbs can soothe irritated and infected tissue and help your body heal naturally. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner regarding the dosage levels and preparation of herbal douches for leukorrhea.
Wild Indigo
Wild indigo, or Baptisia tinctoria, is a perennial herb in the pea family native to North America. Herbalists use the roots to treat infections and disorders involving fluid discharge, as in sinusitis and leukorrhea. Wild indigo is rich in flavonoids, alkaloids and polysaccharides, and has antimicrobial and anticatarrhal actions. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann recommends making a decoction of wild indigo and using it as a douche to treat leukorrhea. Discontinue use if burning occurs, or if symptoms do not improve or get worse.
Cranesbill
Cranesbill, or Geranium maculatum, is a North American herb with tiny pink flowers. Traditional healers use the rhizomes to treat all types of excess fluid secretions, including diarrhea, hemorrhage, menorrhagia and leukorrhea. The plant is rich in tannins, which have potent astringent and anti-inflammatory actions. Hoffmann suggests using a cranesbill douche for leukorrhea due to its strong astringent properties. Do not ingest cranesbill if you are pregnant or constipated.
Calendula
Calendula, or Calendula officinalis, is an annual herb with orange flowers native to Europe. The flower heads contain essential oil, flavonoids and saponins, and have anti-inflammatory action. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink note that calendula may also stimulate the immune system and increase estrogen levels. Herbalist Christopher Hobbs, writing on Christopherhobbs.com, notes that you can use calendula tea as a douche to reduce inflammation that may accompany leukorrhea. Do not use calendula in high doses for long periods.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- Christopher Hobbs: Calendula
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